Update (March 11, 2025): Several tracks listed in IHRA’s recent announcement as newly acquired facilities have since clarified their status. Maryland International Raceway, Darlington Dragway, and Galot Motorsports Park have confirmed that they have not been purchased by IHRA and remain independently owned. Meanwhile, Dragway 42 and Milan Dragway have stated that they are in the process of being acquired by IHRA.
The roar of 11,000-horsepower Nitro Top Fuel and Funny Cars will once again echo through Maryland International Raceway (MIR) as the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals makes its highly anticipated return on August 8-9, 2025.
After a nine-year hiatus, one of the International Hot Rod Association’s (IHRA) most celebrated events is back, bringing with it a legacy of unforgettable moments. First held from 1992 to 2010, and again from 2014 to 2016, the President’s Cup Nationals has long been a staple of the drag racing community, showcasing some of the sport’s most thrilling performances.
The event has seen historic milestones, including the first-ever all 6-second Pro Stock qualified field in drag racing history on September 24, 1994. It has also crowned champions across multiple classes—Scotty Cannon’s Pro Mod victory over Al Billes in the 1992 debut event, the introduction of Funny Car in 1993 when Mark Thomas took the title, and the addition of Nitro Harleys in 1999 with Jay Turner’s win.
One of the most memorable moments came in 2002, when Jack Ostrander pulled off a stunning upset, ending Clay Millican’s perfect season in the first round before defeating Paul Romine in the Top Fuel final. That year’s event also saw an overwhelming turnout of over 700 racers, so large that many had to park in a nearby farmer’s field and be towed to the track.
Maryland International Raceway owner Royce Miller expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s return:
“We are beyond excited to welcome the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals and ‘Nitro Racing’ back to MIR. The nearly 20-year history of this event is filled with incredible moments for racers and fans alike. Thanks to the collaboration between IHRA and WDRA, we now have the opportunity to create even more unforgettable experiences. I hope everyone will join me in celebrating the return of this iconic event.”
Maryland International Raceway, a premier drag racing venue in the Washington-Baltimore region, hosts over 100 events annually and has been thrilling fans since it opened in July 1966. From March through November, the track features nonstop action with professional and sportsman drag racing, car shows, and a variety of special events.
Details on ticket options, additional race classes, and the full event schedule will be announced soon. Stay updated by visiting IHRA.com and following IHRA and MIR on social media.
This story was originally published on March 8, 2025. 
